Uses

Principal Proposed Uses

Other Proposed Uses

Plantain (not to be confused with the relative of the banana known by the same name) is a small weed often found in cultivated fields and at the edge of lawns. Traditionally, the crushed leaves were applied to the skin to treat wounds and bites, a leaf tincture was used for coughs, and the dried leaf was taken internally for the treatment of bronchitis, ulcers, epilepsy, and liver problems.

What is Plantain Used for Today?

Very weak evidence, too weak to rely upon at all, has been used to indicate that topical plantain is helpful for skin conditions, including poison ivy and
eczema
.
1,2

Similarly weak evidence from two studies performed in Bulgaria hint that oral plantain may be helpful for
chronic bronchitis
.
3,4

Plantain extracts do appear to have anti-inflammatory effects, at least in the test tube.
5,6
However, unlike most pharmaceutical anti-inflammatory drugs, which work on the cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) systems, one study suggests that plantain may work in a different fashion, by decreasing levels of nitric oxide.
5
Whether this indicates any real potential benefit in people remains unknown.

Other possible actions of plantain constituents based on test-tube studies include
anti-cancer
effects
7
and anti-viral actions.
8,9

Contrary to some reports, one study found that plantain does not have diuretic (kidney-stimulating) effects.
10

Dosage

A typical dose of plantain for oral use is 1–3 grams three times daily.
11
Syrups and tinctures are used for coughs.

Plantain contains active substances in the iridoid glycoside family, especially aucubin, catalpol, and acteoside.
12-14
The highest levels are found when the plant is collected in mid-fall.
14
Other potentially active ingredients fall in the phenolic category, such as caffeic acid. Some plantain products are standardized to levels of one or more of these ingredients, but it is not clear whether this produces a “better” product.

Safety Issues

Plantain appears to be relatively safe, but comprehensive safety studies have not been performed.

Plantain grown in soil contaminated with heavy metals such as thallium or antimony may develop relatively high concentrations of these potential toxins.
15,16

In 1997, the FDA reported that some “plantain” available for sale on the herb market was contaminated with similar-appearing foxglove (digitalis), an herb with potent and potentially toxic effects on the heart.
17

Safety in pregnant or nursing women, young children, or individuals with liver or kidney disease has not been established.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.